2 minute read
Molly's Angels
Robert and Audrey Watts escaped the Paradise Fires but lost everything. Molly’s Angels helped them get to their medical appointments when they resettled in Yountville.
BY FRAN MILLER | PHOTOS BY SALLY SEYMOUR
What began as a simple act of kindness decades ago has morphed into a societal force for good, named for the founder who started it all, Marlene (Molly) Banz. Molly’s Angels serves the greater Napa community, providing a network and safety net upon which many vulnerable citizens have come to rely. Its mission: to provide transportation, support services, and advocacy to ensure independent living for seniors.
“We are hands-on,” said Molly’s Angels executive director Julia Orr. “We make an impact.”
Programming includes transportation services, Hello, Molly! Care Calls weekly assurance phone check-in, emergency grocery delivery services, and the Senior Moments Radio Show on KVON, 1440AM, and 96.9FM. Each thrives due to dedicated volunteers who provide rides to appointments, make weekly conversational phone calls, and deliver groceries.
“We fill a huge gap and provide a literal lifeline,” said Orr, who recalled a recent instance when a Care Calls volunteer was unable to reach her weekly phone friend. Molly’s Angels alerted emergency services, who checked on the client and found her in need of medical assistance.
Executive Director Julia Orr and Harry
“Many of our senior clients are isolated, without family nearby. There is an amazing need for our help. Our clients and volunteer drivers form a relationship of trust, one that is familial.”
Originally from England, Molly Banz moved to Napa in 1965, opening Molly’s Fish & Chips. The origin of Molly’s Angels is traced to her passing of a pickle jar to raise funds for a local family who lost their home in a fire. After the success of this ‘dollar drive,’ Banz’s friends encouraged her to start a nonprofit, which she did in 1999. Molly passed away on March 7, 2013, yet her legacy of devotion to disadvantaged seniors and other victims of tragedy is illustrated with the success of Molly’s Angels.
“She really did make a difference in this community,” said Orr, also originally from England. A former entertainment industry executive with the Walt Disney Company, Orr joined the organization two years ago with the professional goal of defining, expanding, and improving Molly’s Angels programming and the personal goal to give back to her community. “Our volunteers tell us that they get as much out of helping as our clients get out of the assistance we provide.”
Kevin Eason began volunteering with Molly’s Angels six years ago, driving seniors to various medical appointments. Now, he also delivers groceries and participates in the Care Calls program. “I thought that I might one day need these services, and I am paying it forward,” said Eason. Volunteering is very rewarding; I try to do as much as I can to help our seniors. I've gotten to know many of our clients personally and miss them if I don't see them for a while. That is why I do this.”
Said Molly’s Angels client Teresa Cahill, “I have been without a car for some time; it was totaled in an accident. But being 81 and with bi-lateral hip replacements, I had depended on my car for all my needs. Molly’s Angels helped me by arranging transportation so I could receive my second vaccine, and I am so very thankful.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION mollysangels.com
